That was it for the year

I have been worried about Joey. He's old, his kidney disease is irreversible, he doesn't have much time left. I'm trying to get my mind around losing him, and the big, overriding thought is that I never want him to hurt. I want to spare Joey pain at all costs.

But what does Joey in pain look like? Would I even know? Is it safe to leave him alone for four days when I go to Key West for Christmas? I needed answers.

So I took today off and bundled Joseph up and took him to the vet. This is what I found out.

•  Yes, he's lost weight, but since he's otherwise healthy and well hydrated, that's not so bad.

•  Yes, he can be alone over Christmas. Being without his meds for four days likely won't make a difference. After all, the main purpose of the meds is to help preserve his sight, and since he's an indoor cat, being blind isn't really even that big a deal.

•  No, there's no reason for him to come back until 2016. Yes, he's old and frail and has irreversible kidney disease. But "nothing is imminent."

Both the vet and the office staff were very pointed about wishing me a Merry Christmas AND HAPPY NEW YEAR, and "See you and Joe next year!" They wanted me to feel more confident about my old tomcat being around to welcome 2016.

They succeeded.

Day 11: Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Click here to see the American Humane holiday collection

December 11: Favorite holiday tradition

I kick off Christmas over Thanksgiving weekend, when I write out my cards. I always send cards that promote a charity. Most people were sent a critter card that supports American Humane Association. Those who do not celebration Christmas or aren't that into puppies and kittens received a card from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. (Those were harder to write out, because I miss Williamsburg more than I realized.)

I like starting the holidays by reminding myself what matters -- the people in my life and causes I care about.

To play along with this challenge, click here.